N.C. Food Producer Plans 500 Jobs

TROY, N.C. (AP) -- A North Carolina-based company that turns fruits and vegetables into packaged juices, broths and other products that don't need refrigeration plans to add 500 jobs and could get $6.6 million in government assistance.

North Carolina officials said Monday the collection of tax breaks, worker training and land will help a Wright Foods plant in Montgomery County that now employs more than 80 expand over the next five years. The average annual salary for the new jobs will be almost $30,000 plus benefits, about $1,000 below the county average.

The plant is part of Raleigh-based Aseptia Inc., which incorporated in 2006 after licensing technology developed at North Carolina State University that helps food products keep the flavor, color and nutrients of fresh foods without refrigeration.